5 Ways the Washington Nationals Will Win the Division

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The Washington Nationals need a big second half of the season if they want to make a playoff run. The team continues to trade the first-place spot in the National League East with the Atlanta Braves. Here are five ways the Nationals can win the division.

5. They Stay Healthy

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5. They Stay Healthy

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The Nationals have the makings of a great team if they are healthy. Key injuries to OF Bryce Harper and SP Gio Gonzalez hurt them early in the season. Now that the team is healthy again, they have to remain that way down the stretch.

4. Matt Williams Solves the Lineup Issues

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4. Matt Williams Solves the Lineup Issues

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Drama has surrounded the Washington Nationals starting lineup since OF Bryce Harper's return. Matt Williams must decide on an infield that works and where Ryan Zimmerman fits in.

3. Figure Out How to Beat the Braves

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3. Figure Out How to Beat the Braves

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The Atlanta Braves are the Nationals top rival. They have dominated the back-and-forth between the two teams over past seasons. The Nationals must use their strengths to win key series against division rivals.

2. The Meat of the Order Produces Runs

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2. The Meat of the Order Produces Runs

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The Nationals lineup has been anchored by great hitting from the likes of 1B Adam LaRoche and 3B Anthony Rendon. The team needs the bulk of the order to produce. Outfielders Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth cannot leave men on base.

1. Pitching, Pitching, Pitching

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1. Pitching, Pitching, Pitching

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Pitching is the best aspect of the Washington Nationals. With a healthy Gio Gonzalez, they have one of the best rotations in baseball. The team is trading off the best ERA in the majors with the Oakland Athletics. If they keep it up, they will be competitive against any opponent.

The difference between Matt Carpenter the leadoff man and Carpenter in any other spot in the order has been huge this season. As they enter the stretch run, St. Louis should keep batting him leadoff. Read More